Word Gets Around Magazine: West Somerset - Issue 35

Tel: 01643 703347 or 707707

Email: info@parkslane.co.uk

Parks Lane, Minehead, TA24 5NU

5 Park St, Minehead, TA24 5NQ

We are proud of our fantastic reputation for professionalism and product quality, together with excellent customer care and service.

Parks Lane Furnishers and Interiors, a family-run business since 1979, provide professional made-to-measure blinds, curtains, internal shutters and awnings to both domestic homes and commercial companies throughout Minehead and surrounding areas. We have arguably the best carpet, vinyl, rugs and luxury vinyl tiles in the area. Choose from a wide stock range of furniture, beds, mattresses, sofas and rise and recliners with FREE delivery in West Somerset.

Home Accessories

Carpets and Flooring

Made to Measure Curtains and Blinds

Sofas, Furniture and Beds

Our brand new showroom is open to everyone, and our famous sale only happens ONCE a year. Please pop in or call to book your free kitchen survey or design appointment and to get further details of how easy it is to buy from Howdens through the Trade!

No problem if you’re not quite ready for your new kitchen - we will always beat any comparable quote all year round!

To our Local Trade Account holders and customers new and old, you will ALWAYS get the BEST SERVICE, BEST STOCK and BEST PRICES from your LOCAL Howdens depot in Minehead - Had a quote elsewhere? Please bring it in and on a like for like basisWE WILL BEAT IT - GUARANTEED!

Clive Smith Editor

Call 07779 653120

clive@wordgetsaround.co.uk

ABOUT US

Established in 2014, Word Gets Around Magazine is an independent community magazine and family business, run by father and son team; Clive and Paul Smith.

West Somerset

We deliver 10,000 magazines per issue across West Somerset direct into homes in TA24 and TA23.

To get in contact please call us on: 01823 7655045 or email: info@wordgetsaround.co.uk

OUR ADDRESS

Word Gets Around Magazines

Hestercombe House, Hestercombe Gardens

Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, TA2 8LQ.

Socials: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk

Booking deadline for the next issue is 20 th October

September means many things to many people – the start of the autumn, with the promise of misty mornings and darker evenings; the traditional harvest festival celebrating the safe gathering in of the crops before winter falls; and fun with conkers (which can also be used to deter spiders around the house!).

For anyone with kids, it’s wine time I guess. Congratulations, you made it! It’s also the start of the new school year and end of marking off the hours as it draws near. A little break before …… No, I’m not even going to mention it. I expect some of the kids can’t wait either, to catch up with friends and some nervously entering into a school for the first time where everyone is so much bigger than you.

And if it’s all feeling a bit hectic, just think what it must have been like in September 1752, when 11 days were wiped off the calendar at the stroke of a pen! What would that mean for your “to-do” list! This refers to the infamous period when the country switched from the Julian calendar, based on the solar year, which was 365.25 days long. Over the centuries, that quarter day had added up to push the calendar out of step with the seasons. It was decided to switch to the 365-day Gregorian calendar instead.

October: Halloween revelries have grown over the years and now most children enjoy pumpkin carving, decorating the house, dressing up in costumes, and ‘trick or treating’. Be sure to stock up on treats to avoid any pranks. There may be some early Bonfire Night celebrations, with places celebrating before the traditional 5th of November.

Look out for local community gatherings and enjoy the fireworks, food, and fun in your neighbourhood.

Don’t forget to put your clocks back on Sunday 29th October, and enjoy that extra hour of sleep that comes once a year.

Until next time,

Green ngers… the Alan Titchmarsh column

He’s a brilliant presenter, accomplished gardener, talented novelist, and allround horticultural inspiration. This month, Alan Titchmarsh discusses the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

Us gardeners are a tenacious bunch, aren’t we, and we are largely philosophical about the challenges that confront us. We dig, we plant, and we prune, with the hope, the expectation, that our hard work will pay off. But let’s be honest with ourselves – while we can put all the love and care into our gardens, we’re really at the whim of nature, aren’t we?

Of course, you might have a notion of what your garden will look like, a picture in your mind, but nature… well, she has a mind of her own. She doesn’t always follow our wellintentioned plans, does she?

Whether it’s a sudden frost in spring, a deluge when we’d expected sunshine, or even a cheeky mole wreaking havoc amongst our tulips… and those beautiful roses you planted, just perfect for your garden’s colour scheme? Sometimes they simply decide not to grow!

In short, nature has a way of reminding us who is truly in control.

Now, if I’ve learned anything from my years digging in the dirt, it’s that gardening isn’t about fighting these setbacks. Rather, go along with them. We need to adapt, to be resilient.

Let’s take that mole as an example. We might feel frustrated, even a bit angry, to find our lovely lawn full of molehills. But then, we might also realise that Mr. Mole has

kindly done us the favour of aerating our soil! And that presents a perfect opportunity to sow some wildflower seeds. Before you know it, what was once a patchy lawn could become a buzzing, vibrant mini-meadow. And all thanks to a little setback!

It’s only right, isn’t it, that we let nature find her own way? After all, she’s been doing this for quite a bit longer than we have. Who are we to dictate the rules? Our job, as gardeners, is to support and encourage nature, not to control it.

Now, there will be times when we’re up against the wall, when the weather, the bugs, the unexpected growth, feel like too much. It’s okay to feel disheartened, but I implore you to take a step back, to look at your garden, and to see not what it isn’t, but what it could be.

As an organisation I cannot rate them highly enough. In particular our solicitor/contact, Caz. We were kept up to date throughout the whole process and the advice and guidance made a very stressful and complicated experience, a lot more bearable and manageable.

From getting to grips with computers and the world of doing everything online to brushing up your DIY skills or learning a new language, September marks the start of the new academic year – so what are you waiting for?

Learn Something New Every Day by Kee Malesky

What colour did carrots used to be? Why do American spellings differ from ours? Learn something new every day with 365 fascinating facts from the author of All Facts Considered. How did the tradition of April Fools’ Day Begin? What is the only sea without coastlines? If you – or someone you know – has an inquisitive mind and an appreciation of the wonders of the world around us, look no further and get set to impress everyone you meet!

The Art of Learning a Foreign Language by Benjamin Batarseh

Benjamin Batarseh shares all the things he wished he’d known at various stages of his language learning journey during the last fifteen years as a hobbyist, student, academic, and professional linguist. Designed to help the learner avoid many pitfalls and seize opportunities, with lessons on choosing a target language, travel, accent, immersion, technology, learning approaches and the lifestyle habits of professional linguists. Whatever your motivations for learning a foreign language, this digestible read will bring you closer to achieving your goals.

Beginner’s Guide to DIY by Alison Winfield-Chislett and Jo Behari

Start doing your own household repairs and simple renovations without the expense of calling out a professional by brushing up on essential DIY techniques. This practical handbook features easy instructions for all the home do-it-yourself basics, from painting and wallpapering to simple plumbing, changing a lock, using power tools, fixing a squeaky floorboard and much more. If you’re frustrated by your own inability to handle a repair, or resentful of having to pay someone to take care of simple home maintenance, you’ve found the right book!

The Times Beginner’s Guide to Bridge by Andrew Robson

Andrew Robson, the Times bridge correspondent – and the world’s most famous and successful player and teacher of bridge – shows you how to play bridge in this one-stop practical guide, starting from the basics and taking you through the learning process step-by-step. You’ll also learn about bidding, tricks, scoring and dealing, and etiquette whilst playing – and to develop the skills you need to play bridge and win!

Computers for Seniors, For Dummies

Most people new to computers find them a little intimidating at first. But with the right guidance, even a total novice can be sending emails, video-calling family and banking online in no time at all. This is your one-stop resource for taking control of your computer and transforming it into the most useful gadget in your home. Filled with easy-on-the-eyes type and tons of explanatory images, this is the book that will finally get you up to speed on personal computing.

Fear Less Live More by Aimee Fuller

A practical look at wellness, two-time Winter Olympian snowboarder-turned-BBC presenter Aimee Fuller is no stranger to pushing herself out of her comfort zone. In this, her brave, honest and inspiring debut book, she shows you how to get to know fear without letting it hold you back, help you overcome fear and find what drives you – so you can start living life with purpose, maintain that focus and enjoy the ride.

Ingredients

(serves 4-6)

• 1 x 2.5kg leg of lamb

• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped

Top Tip

You can buy a readyboned or a butterflied leg of lamb, or ask your butcher to bone it for you.

Rick Stein’s Butter ied Lamb

Introduction

This leg of lamb comes with herby lemon and paprika marinade, and really enriches the senses for al fresco dining for what is a very special time of the year.

It can be cooked on the barbecue or in the oven. Serve simply with potato wedges and greens for a laid-back meal with friends. Reduce the dried red chilli flakes if you prefer a milder marinade.

Method

1. To prepare the lamb, turn the leg over to the point where the bone runs closest to the surface. Using a sharp knife, split the meat along the bone and ease it away from the bone along both sides, leaving the bone as clean as possible. At the fatter end of the joint, there is a group of smaller bones, so continue to cut around them too until you can lift all the bones from the meat and are left with a butterfly shaped, bone-free joint. Trim away any excess fat and sinew. Lay a piece

of cling film over the meat and bash the surface with a rolling pin to flatten the thick sections lightly. The meat should be an even thickness throughout.

2. Mix the marinade ingredients together. Rub the marinade all over the lamb and set aside in a roasting tin, skin-side up, for about 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas mark 7.

• 1 tsp dried red chilli flakes

• 6 tsp chopped rosemary

• 6 sprigs thyme, leaves picked

• 1 fresh bay leaf, finely chopped

• 1 lemon, juice only

• 2 tbsp Thai fish sauce

• 2 tbsp Spanish sweet smoked paprika

• 6 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp flaky sea salt

• ½ tsp coarsely ground or crushed black pepper

Top Tips

• To cook on the barbecue, preheat the barbecue (10 minutes for gas and up to 40 minutes for charcoal). When hot, grill the lamb for about 10–12 minutes on each side. Rest for 5 minutes on a board covered with kitchen foil before carving into thick slices.

4. Roast the lamb for 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas mark 4 and roast for a further 15 minutes. This will give you pink lamb, if you would rather it slightly less so, cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and cover with foil. Rest for at least 15 minutes. Place on a board before carving into thick slices.

5. Serve with potato wedges, your choice of vegetables and some of the meat juices.

KEBABS / PIZZAS CHIPS / CALZONES

BURGERS / WRAPS

KIDS MEALS / CHICKEN DRINKS / DESSERTS

Sunday - Thursday 4pm -11pm

Friday - Saturday 4pm - 12pm Closed Tuesday

It’s a decision that many of us hope we never have to make, but which many of us have had to –choosing the right care for a loved one when they are no longer able to remain in their own home. When the time comes, it is vital you take time to consider all the options available and weigh up what’s best for your loved one and for you as a family when choosing the right type of care home. It’s important to assess your relative’s needs to make sure you only look at places that will suit them. Once you’ve narrowed down a shortlist, go back to visit as many times as you need to and ask all the questions that you have. After all, this is your loved one’s home from home, and you need to know they will be happy, safe and well cared for.

Making the right choice

There are several types of residential and nursing care available, so do your homework and take your time before choosing.

Care home is an umbrella term that covers the numerous types of accommodation with different levels of care.

Care homes must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is responsible for their inspection and registration.

Residential care

People living in residential care do not have serious health problems that require onsite nursing support. They are able to look after their own needs but many occasionally require assistance, while having peace of mind that care and support is on hand.

Residential and dementia care

On offer at this type of home is care for those who are physically able but are living with some form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia. Care is provided in an environment specifically designed to meet the needs of dementia suffers, with adaptations such as specially designed signage to aid orientation.

Nursing homes are so-called because they provide nursing care. A home that is not registered to provide nursing care will not provide medical care beyond helping residents take any medication that they have been prescribed.

Nursing homes have a higher number of fully qualified and specially trained nursing staff. Added to this, there will be specialised nursing equipment, such as fully adapted bedrooms and bathrooms, adjustable beds, hoists and ramps.

Nursing homes with dementia care

Nursing staff will have specialist dementia training and the care offered is at a much higher level, for elderly people who require more physical support and who are also living with some form of dementia.

According to a recent national survey by One Poll, the vast majority of older people in the UK – 97% – say they would prefer to stay in their own homes. Thankfully, there are a number of agencies that can provide everything from helping with small chores to live in companion and driver.

Here’s an at-a-glance guide:

companion

LIST YOUR CLUB, GROUP, ORGANISATION, SOCIETY or CHARITY FOR FREE oN OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE!

We can now give a spotlight to clubs, groups, organisations, societies and charities to help promote what they do, raise awareness and allow them be found easily. For residents it will serve as a vital directory, housing useful information and contact details in one central place.

Help us to grow this across Somerset by spreading the word. It’s quick and straightforward to list your group.

Visit: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/directories

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR FREE

Check out our growing What’s On section of our digital magazine at: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/whats-on

We’ve created a great resource for anyone looking to explore their community and find out about events and activities happening in your area. Here you will find upcoming concerts, festivals, exhibitions, theatre productions, and listings for local markets, fairs, sports fixtures, and community initiatives.

We hope they will help you to discover new interests, meet like-minded people, and make the most of what the area has to offer. To add YOUR events go to:

Visit: www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/submit-an-event

BRAIN TRAIN

AMPLITUDE ATOM BUOYANCY ELECTRON ENERGY ENTROPY HAWKING IMPEDANCE ISOTOPE LAWS LENGTH LEVER MASS

MOMENTUM NEWTON OPTICS PASCAL PENDULUM POWER QUARK SOUND TESLA TRAJECTORY VECTOR WAVE

Across

1. Nymph who fell in love with Narcissus and faded away, leaving just her voice (4)

3. Written account of ownership or obligation (8)

9. Burnt sugar used to colour and flavour food (7)

10. Laundering appliance that removes moisture (5)

11. Edible product of the Passiflora plant (7,5)

13. External forms (6)

15. Word uttered by Archimedes (6)

17. Writer of verse officially appointed to the royal household (4,8)

20. Mark used to indicate the word above it should be repeated (5)

21. Persistently or morbidly thoughtful (7)

22. Government department responsible for economic strategy (8)

23. Head honcho (4)

Down

1. Tendency to seek distraction or relief from reality (8)

2. Fast-running, long-eared mammals (5)

4. Two-dimensional figure (6)

5. Movement of water below the surface flowing in a different direction from that above it (12)

6. Large imposing building (7)

7. Weedy annual grass used for forage (4)

8. Able to use both hands equally well (12)

12. Without foundation in reason or fact (8)

14. Original disciple (7)

16. Covered picnic basket (6)

18. Mexican comrade (5)

19. Entrance passage into a mine (4)

Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through to 9 with no repetition.

Sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins. Rats will laugh out loud if you tickle them! Ketchup was used as medicine! Australia is wider than the moon. Minecraft was originally called Cave Game. Lego mini-figures have the largest population on Earth!

Find the following words in the grid. When you have them all, the remaining letters will reveal the name of two more instruments.

BANJO CELLO DRUMS

FLUTE GUITAR KEYBOARD

PIANO SYMBOLS TRIANGLE

How do sea creatures get to school?

On the octo-bus

TRUMPET VIOLIN

In the Netherlands, all children start school on their fourth birthday so there’s always someone new in class.

Why can’t pirates learn the alphabet? Because they keep getting lost at ‘C’

Why did the students eat their homework?

Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake

SHOES TROUSERS SKIRT

SWEATSHIRT GLOVES HAT

RUCKSACK

TIE

TIGHTS

SOCKS JACKET SCARF

We offer ice cream, desserts, savouries and sweets from our shop in Blackbrook. We also deliver same day to the whole of Taunton, Bridgwater, Wellington, Chard and surrounding areas via the delivery platforms:

PLUS We provide custom cakes (anniversaries, birthdays and weddings) and sweet carts and other catering.

Come

contact@sianssweettreats.co.uk

THE HISTORY OF TOWNSEND

Minehead Conservation Society celebrates its 20th anniversary this month and so it seemed appropriate to highlight the house in which it has its office, and on which it has placed one of its heritage plaques.

In the past many houses were named after a particular feature of the building or a characteristic of its immediate setting to enable it to be easily identified. Examples are: The Round House, The Red House, The Gables, The Thatch, The Great House and Hedgerows, River Cottage, Walnut Tree House, Moor Farm, Heather Bank. The subject of this month’s article is no different - ’Townsend’. No one would have missed it as it was literally at the town’s end. (Now the road in which it stands has been named Townsend Road).

Today, it looks like an imposing C18 house with its sash windows and porch but it is far from that. The land on which the house stands belonged to the Luttrells and the first person recorded as living on this site was a prosperous ‘bondman’ of the Luttrells called John Cockes. He was here in 1456 and still in residence in 1466. In 1457 the bailiff of the manor acknowledged the receipt of 6/8d in fine from John Cockes daughter who lived at Townsyend ‘as through marriage she wished to remove herself and to live outside the lord’ demesne (estate land). The fact that John could pay a 6/8d merchet or fine indicates that he must have been a wealthy man. By 1466 two of his sons were also living outside the manor and apparently without permission.

It is likely that the original house was a timber framed ,thatched building. This could have been pulled down and a new house

built or encased in stone and raised in height. By the beginning of the 1600’s we have a much clearer picture of who lived here. It was by now one of the finest houses in Minehead and lived in by wealthy and influential families.

In 1615 we know that John Baker, born 1587, one of the richest men in Minehead in the reign of James 1, lived in the house. In 1624 he was listed on a subsidy roll as one of the 4 men of the town with goods valued at £5 and paying tax of 13/4d. He was even wealthier than his brother-inlaw the dishonest lawyer Lewis Lashbrooke , to whom he appears to have been clerk, who lived in The Butts, now Selbourne Place, near to the convent gates. The two men were summoned together to the Board of the Admiralty to answer various accusations by the Minehead and Bridgwater Customs Officers in 1601 and again in 1628. John was obviously well educated and wrote a beautiful hand.

When John died his son Richard was granted the right to live at ‘Baker’s’ as it was then known, by Thomas Luttrell. Because of the occupant’s duration in the

house people began to refer to it by the owner’s name. The deed of 1659 granted succession to his daughters Elizabeth, Mary, Dorothy. The lease was for a cottage, dwelling house, garden, cellar and some land for which the rent was 4s.

The next inhabitant was another ‘John’ Kirkpatrick who lived here for 50yrs. He was obviously a non-conformist as the house was licensed for non-conformist worship in 1707 which no doubt accounted for the house becoming known as Kirkpatrick’s. A document dated 1700 states that John had a 99 yr lease of Baker’s, described as:

“a very good dwelling house and several stonehouses, previously in the ownership of P.Fry.”

When John Kirkpatrick died in 1754 the Luttrells decided not to relet it but to undertake a major refurbishment of the house to mirror the more fashionable Georgian architectural style of the time. The front walls were raised by approximately 2’ and the old style windows were replaced by sash ones. A grand pediment was its crowning glory.

Compiled by Sally Bainbridge on behalf of Minehead Conservation Society.

By 1764 it was described as “a handsom, newbuilt dwelling house,stable,court and garden.” This description is deceiving as it was not rebuilt but re-modelled. Once complete Richard Cox, a maltster by trade, who was well known to Henry Fownes Luttrell, moved in. When Henry decided to stand for parliament and because Richard was now H.F. Luttrell’s political agent ‘ Townsend ‘ was used as the assembly point for the descent down Friday Street by a rather noisy election day procession led by Cox himself , his fellow constable, John Bryant and the two Luttrells father and son. It seems that in 1779 Cox ,who already owned several nearby fields was planning to add the small field opposite the house to his property as sketch map of his house and the area around it shows.

The next incumbant to move in in 1788 was Francis Blake.He too was a prominent citizen. He was one of ten people chosen to administer funds collected for the victims of the 1791 fire in Minehead.

Following his death John Williams, a property owner, spent 2yrs at Townsend .Joseph Rawle,who owned an estate in Bratton, took over the house and stayed there until his death at 77yrs in 1822. The Rawles were a well known Porlock family of Yeomen farmers who owned a number of other estates in Selworthy, Oare and Brendon. Joseph is buried in Selworthy. His wife continued to reside in Townsend until 1833. She was followed by a Mr Miller about whom nothing is known.

James and Sarah Stoate were resident by 1840. They owned a great deal of property in the area. Sarah came from a wealthy family, her father was Fred Pearce of Bratton Court. They had two servants both called ‘Sarah’ ! The cottage adjoining Townsend became part of the property and the house became The

Red Cap School. This in turn became Minehead Modern. The Headmaster was Mr F.T. Morgan. In the 1920’s it was taken over by Wilfred and Blodwyn Richards from Wales. They had approximately 60 pupils plus some boarders. Teaching took place in the Selbourne Place building whilst the Richards and their 5 children lived in Townsend. The space behind St Louis Conventwas the pupils playground and Irnham Road Recreation ground was used for cricket and football. Once the County School opened in 1928 the pupils moved there and Mr Morgan became the Senior Master but the family continued to live in the house.

John Burt who was a MCS committee member until his death attended the Red Cap Boy’s School.

During WW2 part of the house was used as an Air Raid Wardens Centre. These centres came into their own during the Blitz in 194041. ARP wardens were volunteers, part of the Air Raid Precautions. Their remit was to support and protect civilians. Later residents were Mr and Mrs Organ who had retired from Periton Mead School, where he was Headmaster and she was Matron . They were followed by Mr Caulfield- Smith, a veterinary Surgeon and his family.

The last people to inhabit Townsend as a domestic house were Mr and Mrs Dawson. He was a retired lawyer and a erudite man who created a library in two of the ground floor rooms, full of rare books.

Sadly after he had lost his eyesight he was defrauded by conmen of his most precious books. This led to him leaving the house and moving in 1982 to Suffolk to live in a nursing home. He asked his close friends Marguerite and Marcus Pointon to sell the house for him. Fortunately they realized that here was an opportunity to save this wonderful old house for the community. Could it house a museum for Minehead they wondered ? To this end they gathered together a group of people willing to work towards acquiring it somehow. Their hard work and subsequent achievements will be highlighted in the next issue, together with the current use of the house, its hidden secrets and its gardens.

* article based on research the late Douglas J. Stevens.

Did you enjoy this article? You can now find our archive online at: wgalink.com/local-history

He may be 79 and no longer climbing mountains or polar trekking, but Sir Ranulph Fiennes doesn’t see himself as retired. We catch up with him as he continues his Living Dangerously tour.

Born in Windsor, Berkshire, shortly after the death of his father in the Second World War, he became the 3rd Baronet of Banbury at birth.

A national hero, named by the Guinness Book of Records as “the world’s greatest living explorer”, Sir Ranulph’s many ambitious endeavours have pushed his endurance levels to the limits.

Behind the scenes, the story is one of unhappy school days, failing to gain entry into the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, dismissal from the SAS, chopping off his fingertips, the loss of his first wife to cancer, a second marriage, writing books, and a career as a motivational speaker. Lifetime highlights include:

• The only person to circumnavigate both North and South Pole.

• The first to cross the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean.

• The first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis.

• Discovering the lost city of Iram in Oman.

• In 1993 he was the first man to walk across Antarctica, unsupported, in 93 days.

• Becoming the oldest British person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, in May 2009. So will Sir Ranulph be able to stand down or is there still a challenge tempting him out of retirement?

“There are many challenges left and a great deal of

pleasure can be got thereby. An example would be crossing Antarctica during the polar winter.” And are there any moments when on an expedition he thought wouldn’t make it home?”

“I have experienced near starvation, close attention from polar bears and endured both hyperthermia and hypothermia. At such times I would try to force my mind to dwell on happier times.”

Following the death of his wife Ginny in 2004, Sir Ranulph embarked on a lecture tour, where he met Louise Millington, whom he married in 2005. They welcomed their first child Elizabeth in 2006. It was his Ginny who was behind the explorer’s decision to chop his fingers off. In 2000, his North Pole expedition failed when his sleds fell through weak ice and he was forced to pull them out by hand, sustaining severe frostbite to the fingertips on his left hand. His surgeon insisted the necrotic fingertips be retained for several months before amputation, to allow regrowth of the remaining healthy tissue.

“My late wife told me I was becoming irritable because my frozen finger ends were extremely sensitive…I decided to get rid of the offending items.” What does Sir Ranulph – with the threat of climate change more apparent than ever – urge the younger generation to change?

“Sorting out the plastic in the ocean is a good start, rather than trying to tackle things you can’t see. Everyone can do something about that.”

Sir Ranulph Fiennes’s Living Dangerously tour runs until 6 December 2023 at various venues. For more information, visit www.sirranulphfiennes.co.uk.

His most recent book, Climb Your Mountain: Everyday lessons from an extraordinary life, was published in 2022 by Quercus Publishing, priced £20 (hardback).

NATIONAL COASTWATCH MINEHEAD

The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is a charity dedicated to assisting in the protection and preservation of life at sea and along the United Kingdom coastline, by providing ‘Eyes Along The Coast’. The institution was formed in 1994 in Cornwall, by local residents, following the tragic loss of a fishing vessel and her crew, in sight of a newly vacated HM Coastguard Lookout. The residents volunteered to start Watches from the Lookout, over the sea and along the coastline. Those first Watches were the start of the national charity that now has sixty NCI stations and nearly three thousand volunteer Watchkeepers around the UK coastline.

National Coastwatch works very closely with and reports directly to HM Coastguard, when the

specially trained and qualified volunteer Watchkeepers identify anything that may develop into an incident, or spot an incident happening on the water, coastal paths, beaches, estuaries, harbours and coastline. Watchkeepers use their eyes, powerful optical instruments, ship identification software and VHF radio to monitor potential incidents, from their stations and report to HM Coastguard, who then potentially launch a search and rescue asset, such as a RNLI Lifeboat, HM Coastguard Rescue Team, Search and Rescue Helicopter, police, fire or ambulance, or a combination of the various services and organisations. Incidents spotted and reported by NCI Watchkeepers are managed by HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres.

New stations are in response to historical incidents. There are currently no National Coastwatch stations along the Somerset Coast, which has been identified as in urgent need of a station at Minehead. The new station will be known as NCI Minehead. This new station is still in the setting up stage but has already recruited and trained volunteer Watchkeepers from the Minehead and West Somerset areas.

NCI Minehead has a temporary trailer station on Minehead seafront for the summer months. The volunteers have been maintaining informal Watches from the trailer, speaking to the public about coastal and water safety and raising awareness of the charity, together with the proposed plans for the Minehead station. Funding is vital for this new project. Watchkeepers are fundraising from the trailer and attending many events throughout the summer, to promote National Coastwatch, including the Dunster Country Fair, Dunster Show, RNLI Lifeboat Day, National Coastwatch ’23 and more.

Watchkeepers have already established networks and friendships with local Search

and Rescue teams, including Minehead RNLI and HM Coastguard Minehead, plus local police and PCSO’s, Harbour Master and council officials, with the aim of providing an “Eyes Along The Coast” at Minehead as soon as possible, reporting to HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and helping to save lives along our coast.

NCI Minehead is currently recruiting volunteer Watchkeepers. Volunteers need have no maritime experience, as full training will be provided.

You can find out more on our Facebook Page at facebook.com/nciminehead or visit www.nci.org.uk/join. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please contact the station manager at: minehead@nci.org.uk.

Ginger George

West Somerset’s Top Cat - The word on the street

Ball of pain Hi!

I just love these warm nights (if it not raining of course). Yesterday I thought I’d have a pleasant snooze on the shed roof, down beside the house. It was getting dark and the roof was still nice and warm from the day’s sun stored up on the roof. Here I could keep a view on the comings and going of the people going past.

Suddenly I heard a rustling noise emanating from under the shed. Rats, I thought. I’ll have you my son! I carefully jumped down to the ground without a minuscule of sound, listening out for some more movement.

I could definitely hear something moving about under the shed! I waited in attack mode, trying to guess where its exit would be. Just then I saw a little head poke out, sniffing the air. Not yet Ginge I thought, and I thought I’d wait until I could get hold of him properly.

Sure enough it emerged and scurried down the garden path. He was large but no match for me. I ran down after him in full attack mode grabbing at its lower back. Ouch! This thing had spikes and I got a face full. Hang on, this isn’t fair I thought. The creature immediately rolls itself into a tight ball and just sits there motionless.

This is no rat! It’s dangerous! Someone could get hurt with that thing roaming about. I decided to give it a few stiffs and a couple of taps with my paw. It wasn’t going to move, and there is no way I can attack this. I decided to back off and crouch in the shadows and watch what happens. After a few minutes it unrolls itself and toodled off down the garden path no worse for wear. Shall I try another attack? I’ll tell you what ‘Mr McSpikey Rat’, we will call it a draw!

My friend Charlie the Chameleon is great at hiding. He’s hidden somewhere within this magazine. See if you can spot him and then visit...

www.wordgetsaround.co.uk/charlie

Inside, you’ll discover a harmonious trio of sensory delights: a captivating Lemongrass and Ginger candle, a stylish wax melter, and a trio of our most beloved snap bar wax melts. Depending on the season, these wax melts will immerse your space in enchanting fragrances that evoke the essence of nature.

Read

SEPT/OCT

REGAL COMEDY NIGHT!

Friday, 8 th September 2023 - 7:30pm

Four acts, all from the cream of the UK Comedy Circuit!

Join us for a night of fun, laughter and something a little bit different at the Regal Theatre… the evening will feature a professional line up from the cream of the UK Comedy Circuit, to ensure you have an amazing night.

Book now – join in and tell your friends… let’s make Comedy Night a regular in Minehead as laughter Is the very best medicine!

All tickets £10.00 which can be bought from the Box Office Monday to Saturday, between 9.30 and 12 noon (01643 706430) or on-line at www.regalboxoffice.co.uk

What’s on at the Regal...

From Rock to Opera, Comedy to Magic The Regal has something for everyone.

Tuesday 5th September at 7.30pm OPPENHEIMER (Cert 15) A thriller biopic about the American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

Saturday 9th September – 7.30pm BROADWAY & BEYOND – THE MAGIC LIVES ON. A dazzling performance not to be missed!

SERIOUSLY COLLINS - Saturday 16th September

7.30pm. Chris Hayward and his band bring you the most authentic show that takes you back to Phil & Genesis in their hey-day.

Live from the Royal Opera House DAS RHEINGOLD

Wednesday 20th September 7.15pm.

THE ZOOTS – SOUNDS OF THE 60s Thursday 28th

September 7.30pm.

Live from the Royal Opera House L’ELISIR D’AMORE

Thursday 5th October 7.15pm.

Saturday 7th October at 7.30 is REGAL COMEDY NIGHT. Join us for a night of fun, laughter.

THE KAST OF KINKS Saturday 14th October 7.30pm. The Kast off Kinks include former members of the legendary band The Kinks.

50 YEARS OF FENDER – The Stratocaster Story Sunday 15th October 7.30pm. 50 Years of Fender will have the music fans on their feet and the guitar fans in awe.

THE INVISIBLE MAN Friday 20th October 7.30pm. Our Star Theatre Company returns to Minehead with ‘The Invisible Man’

MIDNIGHT MISSION Sunday 22nd October at 2.00pm

Think you could solve a spooky mystery? Read on! Interactive playable family theatre with nods to spoof horror and a broad streak of quirky comedy from award-winning theatre company Brave Bold Drama.

Check out our new Facebook page and help it to grow by liking and sharing.

Tickets may be booked in advance online at www.regaltheatre.co.uk/whatson or from the Box Office (Tel 01643 706430) between 9.30am and 12.00pm Mon - Sat or by telephone from 1.30pm to 4pm.

By Katherine Sorrell

No time for a bath, or perhaps you don’t have a bath at all? Create a ‘spathroom’ in your shower instead, and unwind from the pressures of work and family life. Don’t renovate entirely – a few quick and easy fi xes will make an enormous difference.

1 Clear away your clutter

Add a wall-mounted cupboard, some small storage boxes, a shelf, rail or a row of hooks. A hanging rack in the shower also makes a difference.

2 Swap your shower head

Shower heads can be rainwater-style, have adjustable sprays, change colour with LED lighting or include a battery-powered speaker. It should be straightforward to replace your shower head, or a plumber should be relatively inexpensive.

3 Create the right light

Maximise natural light by ensuring windows are clean and unobscured. If upgrading light fittings, remember that bathroom lights have to satisfy safety requirements. Install a dimmer switch, swap bulbs for warmer-light versions or use smart bulbs that change from cool to warm light via an app.

4 Choose soft colours

Choose pale, fresh colours for a calming and cleansing feel. It doesn’t have to be brilliant white – muted off-whites are ideal, or any colour palette that includes earthy tones or pale pastels.

5 Introduce a variety of textures

Add interesting textures from wicker baskets to fluffy bath mats, a carved-wood mirror surround to a plant in a macramé hanger.

6 Fit a smart mirror

Smart mirrors light up, with options for colourchanging, and can include a demister and a shaver socket, while hi-tech versions can show you the time, the weather, your calendar and traffic, plus play music and more.

7 Bring in a speaker

If you don’t have a speaker in your shower head or mirror, hang a portable waterproof one in your shower so you can listen to music or a podcast.

8 Bomb your shower

Place a shower bomb (aka shower steamer or shower melt) on the corner of your tray and allow its essential oils to escape and envelope you in steamy luxury.

9 Pop in some plants

For positive psychological benefits, put pot plants on windowsills and shelves, or hang them from the ceiling. Recommended plants include spider plants, maidenhair ferns, heart-leaf philodendron, Swiss cheese plants and weeping figs.

10 Add beautiful accessories

Coordinating storage items will add texture, colour and interest. Decant lotions into matching pump bottles, buy towels in a gorgeous colour, add art works and display attractive hand soaps. Scented candles or a reed diffuser will to appeal to several senses.

This best-selling range of stone-effect tiles comes in two neutral colourways to work with your decor. Nature Eco and Nature Concept Eco tiles in Bone, from £49.99 per square metre, Nature Mosaic Eco tiles in Bone, £21.99 per sheet, all ctdtiles.co.uk.

Come in and see Ray for HARDWARE, HOMEWARE CLEANING EQUIPMENT. MILES TEA & COFFEE AND STATIONARY.

OPEN WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY

For both Domestic & Commercial. All types of furniture refurbished including Wood Panelling, Staircases, Doors. Old or new wood can be stained, polished or waxed. For free quotations call or email Malcolm.

T. 07973 802469 E. malcolmoverton30@hotmail.com

Rooms available for hire in an historic 16th Century house with a secret garden.

Farmer isaac

Suitable for interest groups, hobby classes community groups, business meetings, social events & private functions.

Competitive rates, exible bookings, modern kitchen, WIFI & Garden

T’was in the pub and zum snooty sort sez, u look a country zort, I ‘az a hoss in mi stable, do U shoe horses, I sez no, but I kin shoo sheep though.

Why not arrange a viewing ? cherryburroughs@talktalk.net

WEBSITE: townsendhouse.weebly.com

when you contact one of our advertisers.

Woolhanger The Reprise

SAT 16TH SEPT. 7:30 P.M.

DULVERTON TOWN HALL, TA22 9EX

The Voices of Exmoor will be reprising their successful performance of Our Musical Journey which received an outstanding review from Richard Westcott when the choir performed in the Music Room of Woolhanger Manor in September last year. The Concert will take place in Dulverton Town Hall on Saturday 16 September. The choir are looking forward to singing to their local supporters who didn’t manage to get to the Woolhanger Concert and those who would like the opportunity to hear the concert again.

“...we were treated to some lovely singing, touching upon a wide range of emotions.”

Tickets £10 available from The Tantivy in Dulverton. Online through our website/facebook or email voetickets@gmail.com. Voices of Exmoor continue to support The Calvert Trust, North Devon Hospice and St Margaret’s Hospice.

I can cut a piece of wood in half just by looking at it. It’s true, I saw it with my own eyes.

Saw a chap painting pictures of bikes on a local church roof. Cycleangelo.

I thought the tumble dryer was shrinking my clothes. Turns out it was the refrigerator all along.

My kettle has just died. RIP boiling water, you will be mist.

Across: 1 Echo, 3 Document, 9 Caramel, 10 Drier, 11 Passion fruit, 13 Shapes, 15 Eureka, 17 Poet Laureate, 20 Ditto, 21 Pensive, 22 Treasury, 23 Boss.

Down: 1 Escapism, 2 Hares, 4 Oblong, 5 Undercurrent, 6 Edifice, 7 Tare, 8 Ambidextrous, 12 Baseless, 14 Apostle, 16 Hamper, 18 Amigo, 19 Adit.

WORDWHEEL: CLUSTER

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of the advert. All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted under the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Word Gets Around Magazines does not endorse any advertising material included in this publication. We hold no liability for supplied artwork from advertisers and contributors and views or advice contained within.

Word Gets Around Magazines is registered in England and Wales No. 11422005.

What does a lemon say when it answers the phone? “Yellow!”

My guitar is broken. If anyone wants it, I’ll be giving it away, no strings attached.

I left the restaurant before the third course was served. They said I was a desserter.

I saw a guy spill a pile of Scrabble letters on the road. I asked him, “What’s the word on the street?”

Depending on what stage you are at in your life you will have different requirements in your home. We will show you kitchens that can be perfectly planned to meet your requirements.